A survey of sorts.

I don't go to crops at my LSS because they were pretty rude to me. So I took my husband with me to see if I was crazy. He told me I was right!! How can they run a store like that? Anyway The last time I went to a class at a local school, the instructor was a Stampin' Up rep. I was excited because I like their stuff. I placed an order with her and she never delivered it. I saw her a school and she said she forgot who she sold the stuff to and she would get it to me ASAP. That was last Thanksgiving. I give up. Thanks for letting me rant!!

I love learning new techniques plus it gets some creative energy moving after being in a scrapbooking rut. I can also test out new products and see how they work and if I'd actually put them to use before spending the money.

I don't take classes at my local LSS for two reasons: one, as a beginner of sorts, I feel intimidated and a little out of place. It seems like the people who go to these classes crops are part of an established group, and I feel awkward. Second, I don't want to create a canned page. I want to learn techniques, but choose my color scheme, paper, embellishments, etc. So I want to learn the foundations but not be forced into scrapping my photos with something that isn't me. And I guess I also have a thing about wanting to learn, but I work solo and in silence in my craft corner. I get the idea that at classes, it is very social. I think all the dialogue would be distracting to my creative process.

I LOVE Scrapbooks Etc. in Mesa, AZ and have never taken a bad class there...all top notch! However, I do choose my classes according to content and teacher. I've attended CKU, but wouldn't do it again. I am attending Creative Escape for the second year because it is local and I had so much fun and made such unique things last year. I'm so fortunate to have so many superstar scrappers that are local.

I take classes at both our LSS and our local Archiver's store. I take the ones at Archiver's because they are usually card related. (I enjoy making cards, too!) They have lots of great ideas that I can then "borrow" and make my own. Our LSS has awesome classes. They are fantastic and very creative. They are always making something new and that's what keeps me going back for more!

I don't do classes one because I want to create my own things and don't like to reproduce the page/kit provided. I would be more inclined to do a class that taught a technique I wanted to learn. Secondly I simply don't have the time with small children, house and uni. My local shop - Scrapbook hq, here in Sydney Australia - keeps me coming back with the feeling that I am one of the family. So much so that I bake Christmas treats for them. I recently went on my first Scrap weekend, organised by this shop and was blown away with their generosity of time, advice, prizes, smiles and fun. That what keeps me going back - generosity.

I haven't taken a class in ages, because I haven't seen anything new. I don't mean new product, I mean new techniques. I won't go to a class where they are pushing a particular product, because it's just a sales pitch. Teach me something.
I use to teach at an LSS. I taught technique. Customers liked it, but the owner didn't because I didn't push product and didn't rack up huge sales out of each class. Which is funny because I was hired to teach, not to sell. I was paid per student, not by commission. It was a blessing in disguise when I was forced out of my position.

Ali, I'm coming into this late...but here are my two cents....by the way, I worked in market research for 10yrs before being a SAHM, and I think this is THE world's biggest focus group on this subject :) A great question! And very useful answers to any LSS store owner or instructor reading this. Keeping in mind that not everyone reads creative blogs or gets excited about a project because it's this weeks new "challenge."
Many classes offered are just what the beginner {or those just going for a night out with a friend} needs. I remember the first time I was introduced to scrapbooking {creative memories} It was all so very interesting -- I never scrapbook like that now -- but it surely opened my eyes to a great hobby. Also introduced me to great friends. And great blogs!
This is what I surmise from reading the comments -- what is missing is the "connection" at the store level/or/the instructor's. I think there is a niche out there for many of our local stores that they are not reaching. Or even aware that they could reach. Through a store blog for instance -- a way that people could come back on their own time to visit and post challenges. Or maybe start a local group where you take inspiration from a celebrity challenge blog and translate that to the local level -- get people at your store to participate and have fun. It was said best by "AngiePapers" many comments above -- "we are in times of interaction" and stores "need to keep up" well said!
But my reasons for not taking classes are similar to those already mentioned {time offered, too basic, price, not confident about the teacher's skill level, or just not making enough time for me, in that order}
That said, in my area we are lucky to have two very "up to date" LSS, as well as all the big guys. One LSS offers a more artistic perspective {like altered items or other stuff you can do with scrapbook supplies} and the other doesn't even call them classes -- I think she refers to them as "clubs" it runs for 6 months -- its technique based sometimes or just about exploring journaling other times --a new one begins after that one is done. Somehow I think stuff like that is what a group like this one would enjoy locally. Also, I'm reading that its not just about the classes, its about the local connections made to this great hobby. I think the "big guys" have stopped having classes all together except for the beginner level. As a group we are a little spoiled because we are reading fabulous creative blogs, checking the newest magazines, following celebrity classes, so much so that we've come to expect that level of instructor. We all want the Ali/Staci/Donna/Tara/Cathy/Claudine/Rhonna, etc, etc...we are lucky to have your blogs and generous spirit to inspire us creatively!!! I've now read so many good comments about online classes that my interest is peeked.
um, thanks for letting me ramble :)M

I like classes that will teach me a technique i can use later on, also i like to leave the class with a finish product, whether in an altered item, canvas or album, i have a basket of unfinished classes in my scraproom, also i can scraplift easily so a Lo class is not for me, the teacher's personality is important but if the class is not advanced enough for me that's becomes a minor detail BTW we don't have LSS in NYC just craft stores teaching at very basic level.

I like classes that teach me something unique without having to necessarily purchase a new (and almost always expensive) tool. I also go back when I feel I need some time off to think about my hobbies, and not my child's.
To be honest, I go more often to crop nights than to technique classes...

Hi.
I emailed you with my thoughts. I would take any class at LSS only if they can provide me a certified American Sign Language interpreter for me. Also, I hope for all LSS in Austin hire variety of teachers with different styles. Not just the same teacher over and over for many years.
I also would like to take classes from "celebrity" scrapbookers rather than take from "local" teachers.

The one class I paid for at a LSS was a disappointment to me. It was primarily a class in which we copied the instructor's layout. No new techniques were taught, and it was very rushed -- not relaxed at all. And the store was out of the supplies/tools used in the class, so we couldn't purchase what we needed to continue work on the project at home. VERY frustrating. This was a local instructor. I haven't paid for any classes since then!

I do not take classes at my LSS because all they offer is card making, and it is always when I am at work. I would love to have classes offered on book binding, book altering, jewerly making with scrapbook materials. The LSS near work offers these, but I live an hour away and am at home when they are being offered.

For me it is a combination of elements that make want to take a class but the biggest draw is the teacher. My favorite teacher talks about her scrapbooking life outside of the class room, how she does things in her home studio, how she got started ,what she has learned recently. She is also very interested in her students and how they do things. She shares what she has learned from her students and she asks us questions. When this personal attention comes from, not only a very popular teacher but also a magazine contributer and author of two books, it really makes me feel like a vital part of the class.

I take class at my LSS to learn new techniques and try new products. I like classes that allow me to try things out there before I use my photos and my supplies. As I get more advanced, I may look for some project classes, especially for things that I can give as gifts.

***The one class I paid for at a LSS was a disappointment to me. It was primarily a class in which we copied the instructor's layout. No new techniques were taught,****
yep, that sounds like the one I went to!! And it was really off color combos so I started flipping the paper over to opposite side and bought different ribbon and made it mine. It turned out ok, but still....the weirdest thing is the instructor was all like *gee, that's different than what I had planned*. It was like I was doing it wrong because I didn't copy her exactly.
What I would like more is the idea, the supplies and then some guidance to "push" me a bit in a new direction. See how different I CAN make it from MY usual or the instructor's planned LO.

I take a class if I like the final project, and I want to see the final project in the store and in the email/online newsletter. I love to do mini albums and home decor projects.
Things that would keep me coming back:
1. A discount on the items used in the class or on purchases made that night.
2. Being able to have choices of paper for projects - not everyone has the same tastes!
3. A GREAT teacher!
4. Reasonably priced classes for what you get. Paying $20 for a 2-page spread is too much IMHO. I totally understand that the store and the instructor have to make money, but give the student an incentive to buy MORE product (such as a % off).
5. Make sure there is enough time to complete the project in class. I HATE leaving with an incomplete project!
6. Morning classes
7. Lots of room to work
8. Good directions to bring home with me. Color copies are fabulous!
I think it would be cool to have a class based on a book, such as Cathy Z's, any of the Autumn Leaves. I don't want to recreate the layouts in the book exactly (I can do that at home), but use the books style to make different layouts.

I take a class if I like the final project, and I want to see the final project in the store and in the email/online newsletter. I love to do mini albums and home decor projects.
Things that would keep me coming back:
1. A discount on the items used in the class or on purchases made that night.
2. Being able to have choices of paper for projects - not everyone has the same tastes!
3. A GREAT teacher!
4. Reasonably priced classes for what you get. Paying $20 for a 2-page spread is too much IMHO. I totally understand that the store and the instructor have to make money, but give the student an incentive to buy MORE product (such as a % off).
5. Make sure there is enough time to complete the project in class. I HATE leaving with an incomplete project!
6. Morning classes
7. Lots of room to work
8. Good directions to bring home with me. Color copies are fabulous!
I think it would be cool to have a class based on a book, such as Cathy Z's, any of the Autumn Leaves. I don't want to recreate the layouts in the book exactly (I can do that at home), but use the books style to make different layouts.